The ENR2 Living Laboratory has two key project goals: complete a strategic refresh of vegetation and install interpretative signs throughout the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building (ENR2). The landscape refresh will include soil testing at the Green Stormwater Infrastructure at the Campus Living Lab, coordinating with Santa Rita Landscaping for plant installation, and continued monitoring with Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR)’s Research and Development team. The replanting will increase climate-adapted plants in ENR2 that support campus biodiversity and pollinator habitat, green infrastructure, and heat resilience. Plant life in ENR2 enhances the functioning of the building’s cooling system, thereby reducing its energy footprint and creating a more comfortable space for visitors.
Concurrently, the project will produce six educational signs to communicate the building's sustainability features to ENR2’s visitors. The Liverman Undergraduate Environmental Fellow cohort will work on the educational signs under the supervision of Arizona Environment Program Coordinator, Olivia Miltner. Together, they will synthesize the information received from subject matter experts. A scientific illustrator and AIR’s graphic designer will support the creation of signage visuals and layouts. Students involved in the project will update or develop a virtual ENR2 tour, digital resources, and a pre- and post-survey to measure impact.
